The patch as a therapeutic agent is widely used in medical practice. It is convenient to use, brings relief in many ailments. The medicinal patch in the modern world already has a different name - the transdermal therapeutic system (TTC). It really is a whole structure to deliver the necessary substances to the right place. The drug is slowly released from the surface of the patch and through the upper layers of the skin (dermis) safely enters the circulatory system. In addition to the patch, another film with similar qualities is produced.
Advantages of TTC (transdermal therapeutic system)
- Comfortability of use.
- The medicine does not harm the stomach because it passes it.
- The active substance is delivered to the problem zone faster.
- You can quickly stop treatment with a negative reaction of the body.
- It is possible to reduce the dose of the medicine, since it will not be wasted in the digestive tract.
- The rate of drug release can be controlled.
- Well tolerated by children.
Patches can perform various tasks, for example, reduce pain, help achieve a certain concentration of the drug in the body. But most often they are used as a warming agent.
Classification of medicinal plasters
A large number of various plasters are on sale now. Each species has its purpose, advantages and disadvantages.
Orthopedic . The composition contains substances that stimulate the production of cartilage, protect cartilage from destruction, and help restore the body. These include a warming patch for joints.
Warming up . The therapeutic effect is based on increased local blood circulation, warming the area of sticking. It is used as an additional agent in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, muscle pain, radiculitis and osteochondrosis. The most common is pepper. This is the so-called warming patch for the back. For young children, it is contraindicated, because it is possible to obtain toxic effects, since the skin of a child absorbs drugs more than the dermis of an adult. With skin diseases can not be used. It is necessary to monitor the condition, possibly overheating.
Anti-inflammatory . Does not cause overheating of the area on which it is glued. Allergic reactions to drug components are possible. There are side effects, so it is better to coordinate the application with a specialist.
Antifungal . Used in the treatment of fungal diseases of nails, skin. It is used for the diagnosis of mycosis after consultation with a doctor. Replaced as it wears.
Nitroglycerin patch . It is used to alleviate the condition of patients with ischemia and frequent angina attacks. It is glued to the chest about 2 times a day. A doctor’s recommendation is mandatory, which should provide for a negative effect. Nitroglycerin has many side effects, for example, it lowers blood pressure.
Anesthetic patch (with analgesics ). Attaches to a painful area, for example, to muscles and joints in osteochondrosis, after receiving injuries. It should have a local effect, but part of the active substance, getting into the circulatory system, spreads throughout the body, because of this it is not recommended for pregnant women and children. There are a variety of warming foot patches.
Anti-cellulite . Attaches to areas with this defect. There is an increase in blood flow, which helps excess fat tissue to dissolve.
Contraceptive . It is glued for a different period, from 1 to 7 days. The dosage and duration of gluing is selected by the doctor. Reliably protects against unwanted pregnancy.
Anti-nicotine . Such patches effectively fight nicotine addiction. Doses of nicotine are released into the blood, which gradually decrease over time. The number of patches and the frequency of gluing is determined by a narcologist.
Reflective . The effect is based on the reflection of the heat that the human body produces. It does not contain an active active substance, therefore, it has practically no contraindications.
Restrictions on the use of medical plasters
Not all drugs can be used in such systems. Only potent ones with certain chemical properties that allow penetration through the skin are suitable. A warming patch requires more time for the effect of the drug to begin to produce some kind of result, therefore, in case of urgent delivery of the drug to a sore spot, it is better to inject.
The use of therapeutic plasters has a number of contraindications. You can not use them with:
- circulatory disorders;
- skin diseases;
- diabetes mellitus;
- pregnancy
- an allergic reaction to the components of the drug.
With caution and only after consulting a doctor, such products are used by women who breast-feed their children. In childhood, only special varieties of therapeutic plasters can be used.
To help children
It is difficult to treat kids. During the illness, they are moody, and still need to put a compress or heating pad, gargle or drip your nose. Kids do not really like all these procedures, but it is much easier to attach a warming patch.
In the treatment of childhood colds
- A cooling patch is used to lower the temperature. Contains menthol, camphor, mint. It alleviates the condition, reduces cough.
- Warming up. It is used when the normal temperature persists for several days. A product that is pleasant for a child can hold up to 8 hours. A warming cough patch for children is very common among mothers.
- Inhalation. Attaches to clothing close to the nose. Essential oil medicines will evaporate and make breathing easier.
Good feedback from parents receives a children's plaster against the runny nose “Sopelka”. The main active substances are camphor and eucalyptus. Such a product performs the following functions:
- Fights viruses.
- It makes breathing easier.
- Reduces swelling of the nasopharynx.
- It has a calming effect.
"Sopelka" is not recommended for children under 1 year old. Before using the patch, you should consult your doctor. The healing effect will be achieved faster if you take several remedies for colds.
Warming effect
The most popular patch of this series is pepper. The main active substances are hot pepper and belladonna leaf extract. Treatment is provided by increasing blood flow. Tissue nutrition increases, muscle spasm decreases. There are no painkillers in this patch, but a decrease in soreness is noted due to distraction. Pepper plaster is often recommended for cervical osteochondrosis and back pain from radiculitis. But use this tool with caution, knowing the exact diagnosis. For example, warming up pinched nerves and joints with arthritis will lead to serious complications.
How to use
It is better to glue the patch warming in small pieces so that the effect is only on a certain area, and healthy tissues are not affected. In cervical osteochondrosis, a small plate must be attached to the junction of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae. With radiculitis in the chest, it is necessary to glue the area between the shoulder blades. In case of manifestation of lumbar radiculitis, small strips of patch are placed on the lower back.
It is difficult for people with sensitive skin to withstand exposure to pepper products. There is also a patch with a warming effect - this is Ketoral. It warms up the gluing area well, helps muscles relax and relieves pain. But with circulatory disorders, diabetes mellitus and pregnancy, it can not be used. For children under 14 years of age, it is also not recommended to use such a tool.
Sticky medicine
Adhesives help in many situations to cope with the problem, you just need to know how to use such a tool. For example, a medical patch for coughing and colds can be glued at the very beginning of the ailment. So he will not be able to develop more. For example, a pepper patch can be glued with strips of a cross on your nose - from tip to forehead and around.
Before use, you must familiarize yourself with the instructions. It describes in detail the method of application. Gluing such a sticky medicine is possible only on healthy skin. For wounds, abrasions, scratches, this tool is not recommended. Also, you can not stick moles and warts. It will be easier to peel off the patch if greased with vegetable oil. In a few minutes he will lag behind himself. So it is necessary to remove the children, because they have especially sensitive skin.
Reviews about the tool
Therapeutic patches receive positive feedback from patients who have been treated in this way. The tool does not cause much trouble in use, does not interfere with movement. But it’s not always possible to stick the adhesive on its own, for example, on the back. When using such funds, the result is felt immediately. But in the case of sore joints, you have to be patient. Note that some types of adhesives are expensive. This stops people from buying, because there are faster funds in the form of pills and injections.
Doctors have a positive attitude to the use of plasters, especially with a warming effect. They also praise a warming patch for coughing and colds. For children, such a medicine is perfectly suited. Often there are situations when the child needs to be warmed up, and it is difficult to do this because of the great mobility of the baby. The patch helps out in such cases. It is not always convenient for patients to undergo physiotherapy, and a medical patch can to some extent replace their effect.
Conclusion
Recently, treatment with such patches is gaining popularity. They are convenient to use, and therapy can not be interrupted even when you go to work. A cough warming patch is an amazing medicine. It is used for colds, back pain and other ailments. After all, it only needs to be glued to the right place, and he will treat it himself - persistently and patiently. It seems to be fantastic, but it’s worth trying to use it to understand reality and effectiveness.